Molecular Biology ASCP certification exam

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HL in Los Angeles, California 28 months ago	Hello, how have you been or will you prepare for the exam? - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse
KM in Wendell, North Carolina 28 months ago	I've been using my old college textbooks (MolB, Biochem, Genetics, Cell Biology). I recently bought two Molecular Diagnostics textbooks. Basically, I've just been following the ASCP content list to read the textbooks. Last week I ordered the ASCP Quick Compendium of Molecular Pathology which is what the exam used to be called before ASCP and NCA merged. I hope the book will be helpful and give me an idea of what the questions will be like and in how much detail I need to know the material. Have you taken the ASCP MB exam, or any of the previous "versions"? Or do you plan on taking it in the future? KM - Was this comment helpful? Yes (6) / No Reply - Report abuse
HL in Los Angeles, California 28 months ago	I too have been all over the place studying different things not knowing what to concentrate on. For methods I am using a Molecular Techniques Review Guide that was meant to prepare you for NCA exam. I also possess a practice exam with answers that was used for the NCA. I also have been studying from the pathology section of CLS exams, but I don't know how far into that this test will go down. Does the Compendium you ordered contain any sample questions and answers? I have also been brushing up on basic bio via wikipedia mostly. I read on the ASCP website concerning the merger that the tests given by the NCA and ASCP were similar and that a person studying for one exam would be able to pass the other. I'm going to take it soon. It will be my first time. I know people who have take the NCA exam only. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (6) / No Reply - Report abuse
KM in Wendell, North Carolina 28 months ago	I know a person who did not pass the ASCP MP, but later on did pass the NCA MP. In her opinion there was a difference in the difficulty level of the two exams, the NCA being the easier one. Did you get the NCA practice exam online? Also, what is your molecular biology background? - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
HL in Los Angeles, California 28 months ago	Yes, I believe that there is a difference in difficulty by just looking at the two study outlines. I did get that NCA practice test online. It is easier than most of the CLS molecular pathology questions I've encountered. I am a research technician at a biotech lab going on 3 years out of college. I was also in a research lab at a children's hospital. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
KM in Wendell, North Carolina 28 months ago	Could you post a link to the NCA practice test? Like I said in my first post I have a Master's in MolB. I have worked in four research labs (USDA-ABADRL/yeast genetics/Drosophila genetics/Drosophila genetics). Now I work in a clinical lab - I started in molecular testing for CF and very recently moved to a molecular diagnostics lab. I qualified to take the ASCP MB exam based on route 4 (graduate degree + at least 6 months of experience in molecular testing). As far as the test goes I feel like I should know Molecular Science and Molecular Techniques well, but I'm a little concerned about the sections for Laboratory Operations and Applications of Molecular Testing. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (4) / No Reply - Report abuse
KM in Wendell, North Carolina 28 months ago	I got the ASCP Molecular Pathology review book. I paged through it and I don't think it will be very helpful. There are no sample questions, and it covers a variety of different diseases in detail. There is a chapter reviewing molecular biology that pretty much covers the exam content outline section for molecular science, but other than that I don't think the book will be useful. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (10) / No Reply - Report abuse
Hl in Los Angeles, California 27 months ago	Know DNA replication well (enzyme and protein names, function, greek names). Know how to increase specificity and yield in PCR and Southern Blotting. Definitely know DNA structure and histones. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (14) / No Reply - Report abuse
KM in Wendell, North Carolina 27 months ago	Thank you so much! I really appreciate your advice! - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
KM in Wendell, North Carolina 27 months ago	Just wanted to bump this up... Does anyone else have any advice? Thanks! - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
confussed in Los Angeles, California 27 months ago	I have passed NCA Mol Bio test in early 2008 which is now recognised as MB(ASCP) but I can not get a California license because I never worked in a clinical lab, I always worked for acameia non clinical mol bio labs. I got a Cal trainee license in mol biol and genetics but can not secure a place to get my 1 year training in California. The best option would be to find clinical lab work in Mol Biol field out of California state and then it would count as a training and I would be fully licensed here in CA. I dont know where to look for to find someone hiring a MB(ASCP) certified with years of non clinical Mol Biol lab experience! any help is highly appreciated - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
CLS48 in California 27 months ago	confussed in Los Angeles, California said: I have passed NCA Mol Bio test in early 2008 which is now recognised as MB(ASCP) but I can not get a California license because I never worked in a clinical lab, I always worked for acameia non clinical mol bio labs. I got a Cal trainee license in mol biol and genetics but can not secure a place to get my 1 year training in California. The best option would be to find clinical lab work in Mol Biol field out of California state and then it would count as a training and I would be fully licensed here in CA. I dont know where to look for to find someone hiring a MB(ASCP) certified with years of non clinical Mol Biol lab experience! any help is highly appreciated You can try the molecular bio program at the Quest in San Juan Capistrano since you have your trainee's license. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
KM in Garner, North Carolina 26 months ago	Three weeks to go. I've been studying a lot, and I feel pretty good about my preparation for the exam. I used the Live Chat application available at ASCP website. I asked the customer service person if there was a practice exam or even a few sample questions available, and their answer was NO. She said it's such a new test that the only thing they have for it is the content outline and the reading list...that really wasn't much help. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No Reply - Report abuse
Steph in Cumming, Georgia 26 months ago	I am also signed up to take the exam in May.... good luck to all others taking the test, I wish I had something useful to add... I also purchased the compendium, and am not sure how useful it will be. One of my coworkers used a couple of the texts from the reading list and passed, but this was before the merger. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
hl in Los Angeles, California 26 months ago	Make sure to know common disorders tested for in molecular laboratories. These include Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X, Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy, B and T gene rearrangements, bcr abl and bcl2. Also know commonly tested disorders like HIV viral load, Tuberculosis, Chlamydia, Factor V Leiden and Hereditary Hemachromatosis. Know the exact mutation (ex: substitutions, deletions, etc.) if there is one (or know that it's a substitution in some location), know basic information about them and know what tests are used to detect them. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (11) / No (5) Reply - Report abuse
KM in Garner, North Carolina 26 months ago	HL - Thanks so much! I really appreciate this info! - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
Confused scientist in Austin, Texas 26 months ago	Hello, I am planning to take Molecular Biology (ASCP) test. I have MS in Biotechnology and BS in Biochemistry from a foreign university. I have been working in a molecular biology lab (CLIA and CAP certified) for about two years now. I did some research on available job opportunities for a MB (ASCP) certified technician, but it seems very limited. Especially in the area where I am currently located. On the otherhand, MLS (ASCP)seems like a better choice. But I am not sure if I am qualified enough.. Need some guidance, information from those who appeared for MLS test and got certified. Thanks, - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
KM in Garner, North Carolina 26 months ago	My advice would be to get whatever certification you will benefit from the most. I'm getting the MB(ASCP) because I can, not because I need to. It will just be something to put on my resume. I have never worked in a hospital, nor do I intend to. I have a Molecular Biology research background and I plan on staying with that. However, I want to transition from academic research to clinical or pharma research. I'm also very interested in Public Health and Infectious Disease Research. For the types of position I'm after, I don't need ASCP certification, it will just be something extra to set me apart from the competition. I have also considered AMEDD (Army Medical Department) as a career option due to the fact that my husband is a US Army Helicopter Pilot. Once again, ASCP certification is not required, but will only help. It might allow me to commission as an O2 or even as an O3, instead of as an O1. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No Reply - Report abuse
ASCP MB los angeles in Olathe, Kansas 26 months ago	confussed in Los Angeles, California said: I have passed NCA Mol Bio test in early 2008 which is now recognised as MB(ASCP) but I can not get a California license because I never worked in a clinical lab, I always worked for acameia non clinical mol bio labs. I got a Cal trainee license in mol biol and genetics but can not secure a place to get my 1 year training in California. The best option would be to find clinical lab work in Mol Biol field out of California state and then it would count as a training and I would be fully licensed here in CA. I dont know where to look for to find someone hiring a MB(ASCP) certified with years of non clinical Mol Biol lab experience! any help is highly appreciated I am in the same category somewhat...I even have clinical lab experience over 5 years here in LA in CLIA/CAP labs. Still they are asking me to go to a training program. Another lady who passed the exam after me got her Cal lic with same clinical lab experience as me. Do you think I can contest this? I don't want that lady to loose her lic. The LFS law on this is not clear. Does any one have a copy on this law? Does foreign clinical lab experience count? LFS never answer these questions. Very frustrating! - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
KM in Garner, North Carolina 26 months ago	Obviously I don't know anything about California rules and regulations, but the two of you in LA could look into molecular testing jobs at CA state lab and at LabCorp. I have worked at the NC State Lab of Public Health for 3+ years now and got hired here without having an ASCP certification. An ASCP certification is preferable (but not required), while a 4-yr biology-related degree is required...maybe your State Lab is the same way. I have worked in three different departments; Serology (IFA and ELISAs), Newborn Screening (CF genetic testing) and now in Molecular Diagnostics (testing and research). Before I joined the State Lab I had a job offer from LabCorp (but decided not to take it due to a long commute), so they hire non-ASCP as well. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse
pasquale piscitelli in east haven, Connecticut 26 months ago	I took the exam on 3/16/10 and passed. Much harder than I anticipated. I self studied for 5 months with all my info from articles and animations on line. the ascp quideline was helpful but there is alot of infon to read about. I have worked in a molecular lab for the last 10 years which also helped. Have confidence and avoid all distractions while studying, no phone no tv no music, just peace and quiet! - Was this comment helpful? Yes (3) / No Reply - Report abuse
KM in Tarboro, North Carolina 26 months ago	Congrats on passing the exam, and thank you for the advice. How many questions were on the test? - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
pasquale piscitelli in Branford, Connecticut 26 months ago	there were 100 questions and you get 2.5 hours. Know Dna polymerase and the greek symbols, g>a substitutions for FV fII. Questions about HHE and CF. Follow the ascp test quideline I found it very helpful and google each topic. Know the southern blot and how to analyze a pyrosequencing graph. Do not panic when you start taking the test because there will be questions you know nothing about. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (9) / No Reply - Report abuse
KM in Tarboro, North Carolina 26 months ago	Thank you so much for these hints! I have one more week to study. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
pasquale piscitelli in Branford, Connecticut 26 months ago	my advice, do not try to cram the day before and get a good night sleep. If unsure about an answer click on the review box and you can go back at the end. I found it became easier by eliminating answers yoy know are not right----narrow down your choices. make sure you review pro vs eukar differences, good luck! you will do fine have confidence and do not get nervous - Was this comment helpful? Yes (5) / No Reply - Report abuse
KM in Clayton, North Carolina 26 months ago	Such great advice! Thank you! I've always been the type to study until the last minute, staying up late and getting up early to study on the day of the test. I'll make sure I won't overdo it. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
Daniel in League City, Texas 26 months ago	Just curious. What's the average salary for certified molecular technologists, particularly Texas? Also, how's the employment outlook (compared with MLS generalists)? Thanks! - Was this comment helpful? Yes (15) / No (4) Reply - Report abuse
Zare in Glendale, California 26 months ago	HI guys. actually i have a question. i got My CLS California state license by passing ASCP exam. now i wanna take the ASCP MB exam. just wanna know am i eligible to taking that exam or not. thanks in advance - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (3) Reply - Report abuse
KM in Tarboro, North Carolina 26 months ago	Check the ASCP website for the different routes to qualify: www.ascp.org/FunctionalNavigation/certification/GetCertified/TechnologistCertification.aspx#mp It appears that you would qualify under Route 1: ASCP certified as a technologist (MT/MLS, CG, CT, HTL, BB, C, H, I or M) or specialist (SBB, SC, SCT, SH, SI, SM or SV) AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university Do you have any molecular biology experience? - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
Zare in Glendale, California 26 months ago	thanks for responding. actually i have 4 years experience in molecular Biology. but the thing is it was in my previous country( Iran) and i have no experience here. do u think is that acceptable ? - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
KM in Wade, North Carolina 26 months ago	To me it seems like, if you apply for the MB(ASCP) exam under Route1, you would qualify regardless of your previous experience. So, if you just want to take the exam, I think you can. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
KM, MS MB(ASCP) in Fayetteville, North Carolina 26 months ago	I passed! - Was this comment helpful? Yes (5) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
hl in Glendale, California 26 months ago	Congratulations! - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
sc in Atlanta, Georgia 26 months ago	congrats.... any additional advice to those of us who haven't taken the exam yet? - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
pasquale piscitelli in Branford, Connecticut 26 months ago	great - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
KM, MS MB(ASCP) in Fayetteville, North Carolina 26 months ago	sc in Atlanta, Georgia said: congrats.... any additional advice to those of us who haven't taken the exam yet? Besides what has alreasy been listed in the previous posts, know the replication fork and leading vs. lagging strand synthesis, interpretation of paternity testing, optimizing PCR and how to calculate Tm. Also, know the definition/meaning of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, precision and accuracy. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (7) / No Reply - Report abuse
Zare in Glendale, California 26 months ago	congrats... could u plz tell me about references you studied. i have no idea what should i read... - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
KM, MS MB(ASCP) in Clayton, North Carolina 26 months ago	I mainly studied from "Molecular Diagnostics: Fundamentals, Methods and Clinical Applications" by Lela Buckingham and "Molecular Diagnostics: For the Clinical Laboratorian" by William B. Coleman. I also ordered the ASCP Quick Compendium of Molecular Pathology, and I used to content outline to review from my old college textbooks. The weekend before the test I Googled the topics on the content list, as others had suggested. I really liked the Molecular Diagnostics by Lela Buckingham. It covers the required topics in enough detail and has good illustrations/pictures. The Molecular Diagnostics by William Coleman is a much more comprehensive book, but the pictures are awful. I mainly read the Buckingham book and supplemented it with the Coleman and ASCP books. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (12) / No Reply - Report abuse
MAKY in Atlanta, Georgia 26 months ago	Congrats!!Did you take any practice test before the exam? - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
KM, MS MB(ASCP) in Fayetteville, North Carolina 26 months ago	There is no practice test available for the MB(ASCP) exam. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse
Los Angeles, ASCP MB in Olathe, Kansas 25 months ago	CLS48 in California said: You can try the molecular bio program at the Quest in San Juan Capistrano since you have your trainee's license. I too am in the same situation. I even have worked in clinical laboratories from 2003 and still LFS refuses to issue my Cal licence. I know someone who got it through the same lab experiance. Can someone quote me the actuall law? Thanks. I passed my NCA MB in 2007. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
Los Angeles, ASCP MB in Olathe, Kansas 25 months ago	There was a change in Cal law regarding the Limited licence MB this April 2010. Does anyone know what it means? - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
confused in Los Angeles, California 25 months ago	I have a CA Genetics and Molecular biology Trainee License but no clinical lab experience, if I get a job out of the CA State in a MB lab and work for a year would it count as a one year training to obtain my Full limitet MB CA license? - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
GY in Los Angeles, California 25 months ago	KM, MS MB(ASCP) in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: I passed! Congratulations!!! I have MS in Biochemistry and years of experience in Molecular Biological research. I'd like to get into a clinical lab. It seems no way for me here. Any suggestions? Thanks! GY from LA - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
KM, MS MB(ASCP) in Garner, North Carolina 25 months ago	Do you have a certifcation? Sounds like in CA you have to be a certified tech in order to work in a clinical lab. You could apply for a job at a VA or military hospital lab. Check USAjobs at www.usajobs.gov/ for government positions. Maybe even the government labs in CA require a certification, I don't know. I'm sorry I'm no help, but I'm not familiar with CA rules and regs. I, myself, was able to make the transition from academic labs to a clinical lab by taking a job with a state lab. Good luck! - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse
GY in Pasadena, California 25 months ago	KM, MS MB(ASCP) in Garner, North Carolina said: Do you have a certifcation? Sounds like in CA you have to be a certified tech in order to work in a clinical lab. You could apply for a job at a VA or military hospital lab. Check USAjobs at www.usajobs.gov/ for government positions. Maybe even the government labs in CA require a certification, I don't know. I'm sorry I'm no help, but I'm not familiar with CA rules and regs. I, myself, was able to make the transition from academic labs to a clinical lab by taking a job with a state lab. Good luck! I will look into it. Thanks! GY - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
CLS48 in California 25 months ago	1 year in an approved training program in molecular bio. That is approved by the state of CA. If you work out of state for a year, CA will probably not take it. It's best to ask them, but the rules are strict for both the generalist CLS CA license and the limited CLS CA license. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
KM, MS MB(ASCP) in Garner, North Carolina 25 months ago	GY - Maybe look into working in the biotech industry. Applied Biosystems, Bio-Rad and Beckman-Coulter (just to name a few) have labs in CA. With an MS in Biochem and experience in MolB research, you could probably easily find a job in R&D with one of the companies. Those types of jobs pay well too. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
GY in Pasadena, California 25 months ago	You are right. But I don't have industry experience. Thanks! Gloria - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
GY in Pasadena, California 25 months ago	CLS48 in California said: 1 year in an approved training program in molecular bio. That is approved by the state of CA. If you work out of state for a year, CA will probably not take it. It's best to ask them, but the rules are strict for both the generalist CLS CA license and the limited CLS CA license. I think so. Thanks! - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

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Molecular Biology ASCP certification exam

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